A Coordinated Electric System Interconnection Review—the utility’s deep-dive on technical and cost impacts of your project.

Challenge: Frequent false tripping using conventional electromechanical relays
Solution: SEL-487E integration with multi-terminal differential protection and dynamic inrush restraint
Result: 90% reduction in false trips, saving over $250,000 in downtime

Transmission Engineering Solutions in the ComEd and PJM Territories: Powering The Future

Date icon D

April 26, 2025 | Blog

Accurate Load Forecasting for Behind-the-Meter DERs: The Future of Smart Energy Management

As the Midwest’s power grid evolves to meet growing demand, aging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration, ComEd’s Supplemental Projects provide a roadmap for proactive transmission upgrades. These initiatives, aligned with the PJM M-3 planning process, highlight an urgent need for innovative electrical engineering solutions — and Keentel Engineering is ready to lead the charge.

Why ComEd’s Supplemental Projects Matter

During the March 4, 2025, TEAC Western Committee meeting, ComEd shared critical infrastructure updates across Illinois. The primary drivers behind these projects include:

  • Aging and Obsolete Equipment
  • Customer Load Growth and Interconnection Demands
  • Regional Congestion and Reliability Risks Identified by MISO

At Keentel Engineering, we recognize that expert transmission engineering is essential to delivering safe, reliable, and future-ready power systems — and we are proud to serve as a trusted partner in this transformation.

Project Highlights & Keentel’s Engineering Contributions

Dresden 345kV Breaker Replacement (ComEd-2024-017)

  • Challenge: Oil circuit breakers from 1968 are obsolete and unmaintainable.
  • Keentel’s Role:
  • Condition assessment
  • SF₆ breaker specification
  • Procurement support
  • Field commissioning assistance
  • Upgrade Details:
  • Existing: 1600A, 40kA breakers
  • Replacement: 3000A, 63kA SF₆ breakers
  • Value Delivered: Increased system capacity, reduced maintenance, enhanced reliability.

Plano Area Transmission for Large Load Interconnection (ComEd-2024-015)

  • Challenge: A new customer requires up to 600 MW of load capacity by 2029.
  • Keentel’s Role:
  • 345kV line extensions
  • Eldamain Substation design
  • Protection, control, and interconnection studies
  • Regulatory and permitting support
  • Scope:
  • New 345kV ring bus expandable to breaker-and-a-half.
  • Radial leads connecting to customer facilities.

MISO LRTP Tranche 2.1 Integration (ComEd-2024-023)

  • Challenge: Long-range transmission planning (LRTP) from MISO demands 765kV grid reinforcements.
  • Key Upgrades:
  • Expansion of Collins 765kV substation
  • Two new 765kV transmission lines connecting MISO
  • 300 MVAR reactors installation
  • Woodford County substation development
  • Total Estimated Investment: $874.2 million
  • Keentel’s Expertise:
  • Conceptual and detailed 765kV/345kV system design
  • Grounding studies, bus layouts, and surge protection
  • Full NERC, PJM, and MISO compliance

Keentel Engineering: Trusted Partner for Transmission Excellence

With 30+ years of experience in high-voltage (HV) and extra-high voltage (EHV) engineering, Keentel Engineering is a reliable partner for utilities and developers in the PJM and ComEd territories.

Our Core Transmission Services Include:

  • Transmission Line Design (345kV–765kV)
  • Substation Design (Ring Bus, Breaker-and-a-Half, GIS)
  • Relay Protection and Control System Engineering
  • Grid Interconnection Studies
  • Owner’s Engineering and QA/QC Oversight
  • Regulatory Filing Support (PJM, FERC, NERC)

Explore more about our Substation Design Services.

Let’s Power the Future Together

As ComEd modernizes its transmission network alongside PJM and MISO, the need for specialized, forward-thinking engineering services is greater than ever.
Keentel Engineering stands ready to ensure your grid projects are safe, scalable, and built for the future

📞 Call us at 813-389-7871
🌐 Visit to start your project with our expert team!

Frequently Asked Questions – ComEd & PJM Transmission Engineering

General & Strategic

  • 1. What role does Keentel Engineering play in ComEd or PJM transmission projects?

    Keentel delivers design, relay protection, system studies, interconnection support, and regulatory compliance for HV/EHV projects.

  • 2. How does Keentel assist utilities with aging infrastructure replacements?

    We assess aging assets, recommend SF₆ upgrades, and manage procurement and commissioning phases.

  • 3. Is Keentel experienced with the PJM M-3 planning process?

    Yes, we actively participate in PJM’s M-3 process, including need assessments, solution development, and Do-No-Harm (DNH) analyses.

  • 4. Can Keentel design and route transmission lines?

    Absolutely. We offer full routing analysis, conductor selection, and structure design compliant with PJM and NESC standards.

  • 5. Can you support high-voltage substation expansions like Collins 765kV?

    Yes. We provide bus layouts, equipment specifications, grounding design, and grid operator coordination.

Case Study: Smart Load Forecasting for a Solar + BESS Community

Client: Midwest Utility
Challenge: 70% residential PV + BESS adoption created “invisible” net loads.
Solution: Deployed hybrid LSTM + SVM forecasting integrated with transformer current data; anomaly detection flagged high nighttime crypto loads.

Outcome:

  • 90%+ accuracy (RMSE < 5%)
  • Early detection of two anomalous sites
  • Optimized local demand response and BESS dispatch plans

Related Services

Utility-Scale BESS Engineering — End-to-end design and integration of grid-connected battery systems.

Power System Studies — Comprehensive load flow, stability, and contingency analysis for DER-rich networks.

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

A group of construction workers are standing next to each other with their arms crossed.

Let's Discuss Your Project

Let's book a call to discuss your electrical engineering project that we can help you with.

A bald man with a beard is wearing a suit and a white shirt.

About the Author:

Sonny Patel P.E. EC

IEEE Senior Member

In 1995, Sandip (Sonny) R. Patel earned his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Illinois, specializing in Electrical Engineering . But degrees don’t build legacies—action does. For three decades, he’s been shaping the future of engineering, not just as a licensed Professional Engineer across multiple states (Florida, California, New York, West Virginia, and Minnesota), but as a doer. A builder. A leader. Not just an engineer. A Licensed Electrical Contractor in Florida with an Unlimited EC license. Not just an executive. The founder and CEO of KEENTEL LLC—where expertise meets execution. Three decades. Multiple states. Endless impact.

Leave a Comment

Related Posts

PVsyst v8 Grid-Connected Solar Simulation Guide | Keentel Engineering

PVsyst v8 for Grid-Connected Solar System Design: Simulation, Shading, and Yield Optimization Guide

By SANDIP R PATEL • August 6, 2025
Master PVsyst v8 for grid-connected solar system design, energy yield simulations, shading analysis, and inverter modeling with Keentel Engineering’s expert PV engineering team.

The Impact of Distribution Automation on Protective Relaying: Challenges, Solutions, and Engineering Insights

By SANDIP R PATEL • August 4, 2025
Explore how Distribution Automation impacts protective relaying strategies. Learn best practices for FLISR, DER protection, VVO effects & adaptive relaying
Engineers testing control systems using HIL simulation with Simulink software in a lab setting.

Revolutionizing Control System Validation: Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation with MATLAB and Simulink

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 31, 2025
Validate control algorithms with real-time HIL simulation using MATLAB, Simulink & Speedgoat. Cut costs, reduce risks, and launch automation faster.
Grid compliance overview for inverter-based resources under PRC-029-1, NOGRR245, and IEEE 2800 stand

Navigating PRC-029-1 and NOGRR245: A Guide to Inverter-Based Resource Compliance

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 31, 2025
Explore PRC-029-1 and NOGRR245 compliance, IEEE 2800 updates, and ride-through rules for IBRs. A must-read for Generator Owners and grid engineers.
Inverter-based resource representing PRC-029-1 compliance

Navigating PRC-029-1- Enhancing Grid Reliability Through Inverter-Based Ride-Through Requirements

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 31, 2025
Understand PRC-029-1 ride-through rules for IBRs. Stay NERC-compliant with this expert guide on voltage, frequency, ROCOF, and protection updates.
NERC PRC-019 Compliance: Engineering Coordination for Protection and Voltage Regulation

NERC PRC-019 Compliance Guide

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 28, 2025
Ensure grid reliability and avoid unnecessary trips with Keentel’s complete PRC-019 compliance services. Engineering support for synchronous and DER systems.

18 Critical Studies for Substation Engineers

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 28, 2025
Discover the 18 foundational studies every substation engineer must know—from short-circuit to grounding. Build reliable, resilient grids with Keentel.
Prove your solar project's performance. Discover how Keentel Engineering ensures PV system output th

The Trust Test: Why Energy Performance Evaluations Are the Backbone of Modern Solar Projects

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 28, 2025
Prove your solar project's performance. Discover how Keentel Engineering ensures PV system output through rigorous, bankable energy evaluations.
IEEE 2800-2022 Compliance for IBRs | Keentel Engineering

IEEE 2800-2022 Compliance Guide for Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)

By SANDIP R PATEL • July 25, 2025
Understand IEEE 2800-2022 requirements for IBRs. Learn how Keentel helps wind, solar & BESS projects meet ride-through, reactive power & modeling standards.